4 Organizations Honoring the Legacy of Nelson Mandela

Saturday, December 5, marks two years since Nelson Mandela died. Mandela, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, philanthropist, and legendary political icon, was jailed for 27 years for fighting against apartheid. When he emerged from prison in 1990 he continued to lead his country out of apartheid. Serving as the President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, Mandela’s main accomplishment was unifying South Africa.

It was Mandela who once said, “It is in your hands to make a difference,” and this statement couldn’t be more true today. A global advocate for human rights, Mandela’s work continues through several organizations, corporations, and events dedicated to race relations, the protection of human rights, gender equality, and the rights of children as well as the poor and underdeveloped communities.

Here’s a snapshot of a few organizations continuing his legacy of fighting for human rights around the world.

The Nelson Mandela FoundationÂ —Â The Â foundation provides integrated public information resources on the life and times of Nelson Mandela and coordinates talks around critical social issues. Donations help sustain a unique legacy that contributes to the making of a just society. To become a Mandela Advocate, donateÂ here.Â

Afrika Tikkun USA Hosts 2nd Annual Mandela WeekÂ —Â Afrika Tikkun implements development programs to address the inequities of apartheid and to help disadvantaged young people to be able to realize their inherent potential. “Nelson Mandela fought against social exclusion at an immense personal cost. Together we have continued his legacy by building strong pathways to basic human rights and upward mobility.â€

Afrika Tikkun’s Mandela Legacy Week this year focuses on women’s empowerment, joining in solidarity with the United Nations’ 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. Mandela once said, “As long as women are bound by poverty and as long as they are looked down upon, human rights will lack substance.â€ Demonstrating this principle, the organization serves three key programs: Empowerment Program for Gender-Based Violence, the Program for Disabled Children and Their Families, and Career and Skill Development Program. Support Afrika Tikkun USA by donatingÂ here.

The Giants of AfricaÂ —Â To commemorate the second anniversary of Mandela’s passing, The Giants of Africa will be an evening-long celebration of the late former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner while supporting Ujiri’s nonprofit organization, Giants of Africa, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

According to a statement released by the organization, Madiba: ‘An Evening Honouring Nelson Mandela’ will celebrate the life and legacy of the former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner as special guests share how he touched their lives, including event co-host Wolf Blitzer of CNN; actor Danny Glover;Â Mandela: A Long Walk to FreedomÂ producer Anant Singh; Raptors players DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, and Amir Johnson; Raptors head coach Dwane Casey; South African activist and political prisoner, Tokyo Sexwale; and NBA Africa vice-president and managing director Amadou Gallo Fall. VisitÂ Giants of Africa.comÂ orÂ NBA.comÂ to learn more.